6th Birthday

Austin wanted his 6th party at Dairy Queen. At that time, they had half their back room as a "ball box" - the big rubber/mesh box with the plastic balls kids love to play in. We filled up the entire back room, plus most of the restaurant for his party.

Austin with his cousin, Bub

The gifts reflect the things he was interested in at that age: Pokemon, music cds (backstreet boys & NSync - which I'm sure he'd been embarrassed about today!), and lots of WWF toys. Tim and I bought him a new bat and glove and a robot dog. I do remember that little silver dog. It was pretty "high tech" for the time and would walk around, talk, do tricks, etc.

At this age, Austin also loved video games, action figures, cheese pizza and ice cream. I found a "favorites sheet" in his keepsake box at this age and he wrote that he loved WWF, tacos, GI Joes and the book Green Eggs and Ham. I remember reading him that book over and over and even making him eggs with green food coloring, which he thought was pretty cool.

Austin was in a Little Miss & Mr contest with his cousin, Haylea. They both looked so cute dressed in their western attire.

In the fall of 2000, Austin joined Tiger Cubs (a young version of the Boy Scouts) and Tim was the Den Leader. It was a great activity for us to spend with Austin, as Noah was a baby and there were jealous moments of this new addition. Tiger Cubs gave us many opportunities with just him. We took field trips to the Wal-Mart bakery to make cupcakes, the police department, and did a food drive for the local Food Pantry.

Austin did really well in 1st grade, making the honor roll each quarter. He received a Gold Medal and Super Star awards, for outstanding work and good behavior. His teacher commented that he was a model student, always willing to help and ready to learn.

He was excelling in Tball at this age. We offered him $1 for each base he made and $5 for any home runs...and he nearly broke us that season!

Austin was excited to be on the news that Winter, being on the morning segment "Weather Wonders" for a local TV station.

This was also the age where Austin began to get bored at church. He was too big for "Children's Church" and getting too old to be occupied by toys and books during the sermon. One Sunday, he asked me why we had to go. I explained to him that needed to go to thank God for all he gives us. Austin sighed and said, "Can't we just send him a card?"